New Delhi / Prayagraj-
Fake websites operating under the names of educational institutions have now become a new weapon of cybercrime across the country. Recently, a fake website resembling the official UP Board website surfaced, displaying photos of the Chief Minister and senior officials to create an illusion of credibility. Officials say that through such networks, not only are students and parents cheated out of money, but their sensitive information can also be stolen.
The Growing Trend
Cybersecurity experts state that in the last five years, the education sector has become an easy target for fake website scams.
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- Fake Admission Portals: Counterfeit websites are created in the name of universities and colleges, where admission forms and fee payment options are displayed.
- Fake Exam Portals: Under the guise of board exams or competitive exams, candidates are charged registration and admit card fees.
- Scholarship Scams: In several cases, “scholarship portals” collect personal and banking details from students.
Why Are Students and Parents Easy Targets?
Experts point out that while the number of people trusting digital platforms in the education sector has rapidly increased, cyber literacy has not grown at the same pace. Students and parents from rural and small-town areas often click on the first link shown on Google search or social media. This creates the biggest opportunity for cybercriminals.
Challenges of Law and Monitoring
In India, such activities fall under criminal offenses as per the IT Act 2000 and recent cybersecurity regulations. However, blocking these websites in time and reaching the operators is not easy. Cybercriminals often keep servers abroad and frequently change domain names.
Expert Opinion
Former IPS officer and cybercrime expert Dr. Triveni Singh says:
“Fake educational websites are not just a means of fraud, but they can also be a part of data theft and larger cyber networks. It is necessary for the education department and cyber cells to jointly launch an ‘official verification portal’ where people can instantly check the authenticity of websites.”
The Way Forward
Experts believe that legal action alone will not be enough. Creating awareness among students and parents through digital literacy is equally important. At the same time, education boards and universities must adopt cybersecurity protocols and measures like digital watermarking to secure their official websites.